Political reforms more imperative than ever
Since the announcement of his intention to run in the March presidential election, Amien Rais has become more bold in his criticism of the government. The chairman of the Muhammadiyah Moslem organization talks at length with The Jakarta Post about his ideas and concepts.
Questionb: Is the IMF economic reform package enough to overcome the economic crisis?
Amien: Although the package is within the reform spirit, it has many weaknesses. It projects a zero economic growth which means that the economy won't be able to absorb the estimated three million new job seekers this year. The high rate of company failures will also increase the unemployment rate nationwide.
The economic contraction resulting from reduced government spending, combined with an expected inflation rate of 20 percent, will substantially cut the people's purchasing power.
Q: Is the IMF package detrimental to the people's interests?
A: I agree with critics who say that the reforms cater to the economic needs of the wealthy more than to the interests of the poor.
I fear that people in the low-income group will vent their anger at the government when inflation begins to bite as soon as the government goes ahead with its plan to increase fuel prices.
Q: Do you still insist on political reforms now that the government has announced its economic reforms package?
A: I am pessimistic that the economic reforms will be fully carried out. I have always insisted that political reforms are far more urgent. Economic reforms would not likely succeed without political reforms.
Q: Can you spell out your idea of political reforms?
A: They should include, at least, term limitation of a president, a more open system of recruiting members of the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly, decentralization in policy-making processes, improvement in political environment through revision in the various political laws. I hope to present the details of the reforms in the upcoming national dialog.
Political reform should begin by replacing the national leadership, which has created the current system to sustain its power. So, it's impossible to reform the current political system without replacing the figures at the top.
Q: At one time you suggested the establishment of a presidium instead of appointing a president. What did you mean by that?
A: We seem to always have difficulties in finding a successor to President Soeharto, without getting into a controversy. So I suggested the appointment of a presidium to lead the nation at the end of Soeharto's term of office in March.
Every time we mention a name, say Try Sutrisno, B.J. Habibie or Ginandjar Kartasasmita, as a potential successor, we are always drawn into endless debates. That could become counterproductive. If we cannot agree on a suitable replacement, we can at least appoint five or six figures who have proven track records and clean reputations, such as representatives of various factions, to lead the country.
Q: You have declared your readiness to be nominated as a presidential candidate. What are you offering the nation?
A: If I am elected, I will launch both economic and political reforms relevant to Indonesia's future.
I will revise and introduce laws that will ensure the establishment of a clean government; will systematically and consistently eradicate collusion and corruption practices; will uphold the rule of law; and restore the country's political and economic sovereignty.
The IMF-backed reforms reflect our dependence on the West. We should therefore gradually reduce our ties with the IMF, to make ourselves more independent.
Q: Do you plan to push your nomination further?
A: I have been very passive so far. I have not campaigned for my presidential nomination. But if I see the momentum is conducive, I will join my supporters to knock on the doors of the People's Consultative Assembly, which is the only institution that can process the nomination of presidential candidates.
Q: What about your "moral" alliance with Megawati Soekarnoputri?
A: I have more things in common than differences with Megawati.
We share the same goals for the democratization of the country, for proper law enforcement, for the promotion of people's interests, the reinvigoration of economic activities by the majority of the people and, last but not least, for the establishment of a clean government that is free from collusion, corruption and nepotism.
I can work with anyone or any group, including Megawati, Abdurrahman Wahid, church circles, non-governmental organizations, the Armed Forces, Golkar and the business community. I will continue to be open-minded and I am willing to incorporate other peoples' views into my ideas for the future betterment of the nation. (riz)
Dialog -- Page 4